As part of its long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life of its members, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has agreed to a four-year extension through 2015 of its current contract offering Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to eligible members. SilverSneakers, the nation's leading exercise program designed to keep older adults active and healthy, is offered to Arkansas Blue Cross' more than 120,000 Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement members.

“Providing programs and services to help our Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak Advantage members be their healthy best is an important aspect of our health plans,” said Cindy Thornton, vice president of Senior Products. “SilverSneakers continues to be one of the benefits that helps our members feel better and enhance their quality of life. Our members tell us SilverSneakers has made a difference in their health and well-being, and Arkansas Blue Cross is committed to keeping this program available to our members at no additional cost to them.”

Using proven methodologies based upon more than 16 years of science and outcomes, the SilverSneakers Fitness Program increases physical activity in older adults, resulting in higher well-being and lower health care costs. The program engages participants in active behavior change through access to a variety of physical activity venues and senior-specific programming that incorporates physical fitness and social experiences.